NEELTJE JANS

• NLNTJ
• Latitude: 51.6296
• Longitude: 3.72392
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in Netherlands

Location: Netherlands

Neeltje Jans is not a traditionally known marine port used for commercial shipping operations. Instead, it is an artificial island in the Netherlands, part of the Delta Works, a series of construction projects designed to protect the Dutch coast from the North Sea.

Here's a detailed description:

1. Location and Geography:

• Country: Netherlands
• Province: Zeeland
• Coordinates: Approximately 51.621° N latitude, 3.699° E longitude
• Proximity: Situated near the Oosterscheldekering, the largest of the Delta Works, between the islands of Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland.

2. Infrastructure and Purpose:

• Primary Function: Neeltje Jans was initially a construction base for the Oosterscheldekering storm surge barrier.
• Current Use: Post-construction, it has been transformed into a public space and nature reserve with additional tourist attractions such as:
  • Deltapark Neeltje Jans: A theme park that provides educational exhibitions about the Delta Works and the battle against water.
  • Aquarium: Showcasing marine life from the area.
  • Exhibitions: Educational tours and exhibits related to the engineering feats of the Delta Works.
  • Boat Tours: Guided boat tours around the Oosterschelde and the storm surge barrier.

3. Marine Facilities:

• Mooring and Berthing: Primarily for small vessels, including those for tours, research, and maintenance of the Delta installations.
• Navigation: Well-marked channels appropriate for small boats and research vessels.
• Tidal Influence: Due to its proximity to the North Sea and the land reclamation, there’s a significant influence from tides, which is closely managed by the Delta Works structures.

4. Environmental and Ecological Aspects:

• Nature Reserve: Managed to maintain a healthy balance of marine and avian wildlife, making it a critical spot for birdwatching and marine biology studies.
• Sustainability: Efforts are in place to ensure that the island remains a sustainable and minimally disruptive human intrusion into the ecosystem.

5. Accessibility and Nearby Points of Interest:

• Road Access: Connected via the N57 roadway, facilitating easy access by car.
• Bridges and Barriers: Connected to more significant infrastructure projects like the Oosterscheldekering, part of a critical flood defense system.
• Tourist Attractions: Proximity to other landmarks in Zeeland, making it a notable spot on the tourist map.

In summary, Neeltje Jans is renowned more for its integral role in civil engineering and flood protection in the Netherlands and as a location for environmental education and tourism rather than as a conventional commercial marine port. It exemplifies the Dutch ingenuity in water management and serves as an educational hub on these topics.